'All of us are looking for some kind of escape. Occasionally, we find it in each other.'

The Sweet Escape by Beau Taplin

This love affair is not mine and mine alone. It’s why I’m here to share it, to speak softly to others who connect to that lure, that sensation and sometimes obsession. I long to speak to the wonder many experience as we look to life through our lens.

The escape to something that’s ours. Something we love, cherish and with the help of camera sensors, mirrors, pixels and film we bring to the world so others can join us on our path for a while too.

As I start this Substack journey I’ve pledged to create 100 posts in 100 days, it seems a lot I know especially with the busyness of all our inboxes right now, perhaps it would make sense to share my why:

I promised to share my process with you so why start with a polished space and organised format. Art is messy, organic and influenced by so many external forces that it feels only right to bring you onboard right from the entangled beginnings of fumbling hands and scrambled thoughts. To have you with me for that feels only right and comforting, after all, we’re in this together.

I so often share about what I have done, my education, the places I’ve lived, the mistakes I’ve made and yes these are the logs which help keep my fire burning but the air of change fan my flames, the connection with others, the light and of course the darkness. This space is about all of these things and to find ways to keep the warmth, I must do the work, I must listen, I must show up and in the next 100 posts I intend to do just that.

“You are not your resume, you are your work.” -Seth Godin, Author

It’s been three years since I wrote my book and created the creative journal with Cindy Cavanagh. I’ve written Instagram posts, the occasional blog post and newsletter, we’ve compiled course content but I’ve not shared as I will here for a while, so these 100 posts will help me reconnect to that part of me. And in turn bring my best self to you, my readers.

My space is entitled ‘A Love Affair with Light’ and that’s what it is. It is my story of being a photographer however it’s so much more. It’s my love affair with finding the light in life, with accessing creative ideas and finding light in blockages and behind closed doors when the perception is success and flow of ideas and income. It’s about the passion and fury, the holding on and letting go, about accessibility and consistency. Through the first 100 posts it is my aim to create patterns and a glimpse into how that will unfurl.

100 posts, 100 days, 100 moments to be open and free, to welcome you in whenever you are ready or something triggers for you. Kissing frogs, opening doors, speed dating, piano scales, daily jogs, trying new recipes, they are all numbers games to finding sweet spots and getting to know ourselves better. To understanding what we would love to do more of, what ideas stick to the wall and which fall to the floor. Many won’t be for everyone, some will be a long and lingering late night cocktail and some will be a wink with the cute guy who delivers pizza.

They will be here, some for subscribers, some as free gifts from me.

Come as you are,

Create when you can.

Inhale what you see,

Come escape with me.

CW x